Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for EU pet travel

What is an Animal Health Certificate?

An AHC is an official veterinary travel document recording your pet’s identification and vaccination details. Every dog, cat or ferret travelling from Great Britain to the EU must be covered by an AHC when their owner lives in England, Scotland or Wales.

It is a required travel document, not an optional extra.

Can you use a pet passport instead?

No. Residents of England, Scotland and Wales cannot use a pet passport to enter the EU, even if it was issued in an EU country. You need an AHC. Different rules apply to residents of Northern Ireland.

One trip. A new certificate each time.

You need a new AHC for each separate trip from Great Britain to the EU. It cannot be reused for your next trip.

Enter the EU within 10 days of issue, counting the issue date as day one. The certificate can also cover onward EU travel and your return to Great Britain during that same trip, subject to its validity and your pet’s rabies vaccination remaining current.

Getting ready for your AHC

Your pet must attend an appointment with an official veterinarian. Bring their microchip and vaccination records, and arrange the appointment around your departure date. If your pet needs a first rabies vaccination, allow time for the required waiting period before travel.

More than one pet can be listed on a certificate, but every travelling pet must meet the requirements.

Plan your journey

EPT provides private transport for one family’s one or two dogs or cats between the UK and Spain. Your own journey must take place within five days of your pet’s journey, and we need your written authorisation to travel with them.

Explore our UK–Spain pet transport service · See what your journey price includes

Travel guidance checked 17 October 2026. GOV.UK: taking your pet abroad · Getting an AHC.